Mysore/Mysuru: JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSS AHER), Mysuru, Department of Water and Health, Faculty of Life Sciences (FLS), had organised a Webinar entitled “Microbiome: Listen to your gut!” as part of  Special Interest Group (SIG) ‘Placental microbiome and factors affecting it’, on July 15. 

Our gut harbours an entire universe of micro-organisms with its own unique identity. The gut microbiome protects us from diseases, is shaped and affected by the diet we intake. The microbiome is a collection of genes of these tiny micro-organisms comprising hundreds of different bacteria, fungi, viruses and other life forms. 

Dr. Yogesh Shouche, Scientist and Principal Investigator, National Centre for Microbial Resources, NCCS, Pune, delivered a talk on the topic “Human Gut Microbiome: Global and Indian perspective.” He emphasised on the diversity of gut microbiota and his studies showed that the Indian gut microbiota had a unique microbiome signature compared to other Asian populations. 

Kumar Sankaran, CEO of Microbiome and Genomics-based company, Leucine Rich Bio Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, gave a talk on “Role of Microbiome in Healthcare — The different vantage points.” He focussed on the effects of gut microbial balance in the development and treatment of diseases. 

Lastly, Dr. Mukesh Kapoor deliberated on the “Role of prebiotics in modulating the gut microbiome” in which he deciphered the importance of prebiotic (dietary fiber) constituents in our diet which could beneficially promote a healthy gut microbiota. Overall, the webinar was attended by more than 250 participants across the country and yielded in productive discussions and deliberations. Feedback was obtained from the participants with positive response towards the webinar and commended the efforts of the organisers. 

The speakers also emphasised on the consumption of traditional Indian fermented foods rich in dietary fiber including idli and dosa which are instrumental in maintaining the ideal gut microbial balance and immunity of an individual compared to the Western diet.

Director (Research) and Dean (FLS) Dr. S. Balasubramanian inaugurated the event. Dr. K.A. Raveesha, Head (FLS), gave the opening remarks. The programme was conceptualised, conducted and moderated by Dr. Ann Catherine Archer, Group Leader (SIG), Faculty of Life Sciences, JSS AHER, Mysuru, according to a press release.